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So this weekend has been a mixed bag for Cowboy football. The bad news first.
To my OSU fam, I'd like to thank you all for supporting and believing in me. However, I have decided to open up my recruitment
— Rojo (@TheRonaldJones) December 15, 2014
RB Ronald Jones II texted me that his clear top 2 right now are #USC #Trojans and #NotreDame #FightingIrish @ChrisPSwanson @Jake_Brown
— Mike Farrell (@rivalsmike) December 15, 2014
Ronald Jones, a RB from McKinney, Texas, was the highest rated recruit for Cowboys. However, it appears his official visit to Notre Dame this past weekend has made him reevaluate his options. Jones is one of the best running backs in the country and is a consensus 4 star prospect. This loss is going to hurt.
Brandon Pertile, a 3 star JUCO OL prospect, also seems to be on the verge of decommitting. Pertile took a visit to the University of Florida this past weekend, and they too seemed to make a big impression. Pertile is from Clearwater, Florida, which is just down the road from the University of Florida.
JUCO offensive lineman Brandon Pertile tells me he will announce his decision on Wednesday between Florida and Oklahoma State
— Andrew Spivey (@AndrewSpiveyGC) December 14, 2014
I'd expect him to pick Florida.
Now for the good news.
OSU added four commitments this week in Kenneth McGruder, Victor Salako, Bryce Balous and Matt Kellerman. All four of these guys were in Stillwater for official visits this past weekend.
Alief Taylor S Kenneth McGruder has rejoined the fold at #OkState after recommitting: http://t.co/xD4UeYJQSq
— Brian Perroni (@Perroni247) December 14, 2014
Kenneth McGruder's name should sound familiar to Cowboys fans. He was an early commit in this class before reopening his recruitment late in November. The 6'2, 203 pound safety from Houston was widely believed to be considering Nebraska until Bo Pelini was fired. It's definitely a blessing for the Cowboys as the talented three star prospect recommitted after his official visit this past weekend.
Check out his highlights.
Congrats to Victor Salako (Offensive Tackle) formerly of UAB committed to Oklahoma State pic.twitter.com/6nTSLEx4Fz
— Juco Football Frenzy (@JUCOFFrenzy) December 12, 2014
Perhaps the most important commitment this weekend was that of Victor Salako. The 6'6, 315 offensive linemen from UAB (RIP) will immediately step in and help improve one of the worst offensive lines in all of college football this year. Salako will be able to play right away and has two years of eligibility left. Salako started at left tackle for all 12 of UAB's games this season and 11 of 12 as a redshirt freshman.
#OklahomaState has a commitment from a very, very technically sound offensive tackle in Butler CC's Matt Kellerman http://t.co/6RH0ZwdqeG
— Derek Young (@DYoungScout) December 14, 2014
Matt Kellerman is a 6'5, 285 OL from Butler Community College. With his commitment, OSU currently has 7 new OL guys coming into Stillwater next year. Connelly has been earning that paycheck, and it's obviously a major focus of this class.
Oklahoma State is adding one of the more technically sound offensive tackles at the junior college levels. He doesn't have the amazing strength, the amazing athleticism, or the amazing length that some of the other top offensive tackles possess, but he brings a different dimension to the position.
He's strong enough, athletic enough, and long enough while also passing up the others in the technical aspect of the game when it comes to body position, footwork, hand usage, and awareness.
Kellerman had offers from Lousiville, Colorado State, Iowa State, and Illinois. Here's a good writeup detailing his commitment. Link.
So excited to officially welcome @Bryce_Balous to the Cowboy family #GoPokes
— John Kolar (@john_kolar7) December 13, 2014
Bryce Balous is a 5'11, 185 safety prospect from McKinney, Texas. Balous was committed to Kansas State, but decided that OSU would be a better fit this past week. Balous is fast...like really, really fast. He's been timed at 4.39 in the 40, and he's a vicious hitter. Tim Duffie, the safeties coach, recruited him, but I have to wonder if a switch to CB may be in order based on his size and speed. Something to keep in mind for the future. Got to love Kolar recruiting for OSU, too.
Look at this speed.